Ishan Kishan returns, Shubman Gill left out as selectors value performance over promise in India's T20 World Cup squad selection

The BCCI senior men's selection committee made a few bold calls on Saturday (December 20) as they revealed India's squad for the forthcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Selectors value domestic grind more than promise

The selection committee named a strong 15-member squad for the marquee tournament and rewarded domestic performance more than promise, picking Ishan Kishan over Shubman Gill. Ishan performed incredibly well with the bat in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and helped Jharkhand clinch their maiden T20 title.

Ishan scored a magnificent hundred in the summit clash against Haryana, leading by example to cap off his stellar run in the tournament. He racked up 517 runs in 10 games at an astounding average of 57.44 and a scintillating strike rate of 197.32. His dream run in the tournament included two centuries and as many half-centuries. The southpaw dealt mostly in boundaries, smashing 51 fours and 33 sixes.

Ishan's return cost Shubman Gill a place in the squad as the latter struggled to play free-wheeling cricket in the shortest format of the game.

In 15 T20Is played in 2025, Gill could only manage 291 runs at a paltry average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26. The batter from Fazilka was unable to chalk up a single fifty-plus score throughout the year.

Rinku's return bolsters India's finishing calibre

After unexpectedly being left out of India's squad for the five-match T20I series against South Africa at home, Rinku has made a return to the team for the signature ICC event. Rinku's terrific T20I stats are a testament to his potential as a finisher and justify his inclusion in the team.

In 35 T20Is for India, the left-handed batter has aggregated 550 runs at an average of 42.30 and a strike rate of 161.76, including three fifties. Despite sitting on the fringes, Rinku has impressed with match-winning knocks as and when an opportunity has presented itself. He had a decent SMAT as per his standards, scoring 172 at a strike rate of 135.43, including a fifty.

Sanju Samson pips Jitesh Sharma 

Sanju Samson was unfortunate to lose his opening slot to Shubman Gill when the latter was included in the side for the previous Asia Cup in the UAE. However, he put his head down and tried to ace his new role in the middle order.

Despite decent returns, he was left out of India's playing XI during the Australia series and only made his way into the XI in the fifth T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad on December 19 owing to an injury to Gill. Samson showcased his worth yet again, smashing a quickfire 37 off 22 balls after reuniting with his opening partner Abhishek Sharma.

Meanwhile, Jitesh may feel unlucky as he would have liked more opportunities to make a case for himself. However, Ishan's remarkable outing in the SMAT as a wicketkeeper batter led to Jitesh's ouster.

India's squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

 Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vc), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh, Ishan Kishan